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Ants on Mature Norwegian Pines: Not a Reason for Removal

Tree Company Recommends Cutting 50-Foot Pines Due to Ants

Two 50-foot Norwegian pines in NH Lakes Region have ants. Arborist says ants are eating the trees.

Fact Check

Ants do not kill healthy mature trees. They nest in dead wood or feed on honeydew from other insects. Their presence indicates decay, not causation.

Action

Contact NH Division of Forests & Lands – Forest Health for a professional assessment.
https://www.nh.gov/dred/divisions/forestandlands/bureaus/forestprotection/health....

Bottom Line

Do not remove based on ants alone. Get a second opinion from a state forester.

Conifers: Ants on Grapefruit Tree: Sign of Pests or Dry Soil?; Thatching Ants at Base of Large Fir Tree: No Threat to Tree Stability; Ants at the Base of Citrus Trees: Organic Control with Sticky Barriers; Safe Aphid Control on Plum Trees: Horticultural Oil and Beneficials; Small Pine Transplanting in Sandy Soil: Root Depth, Timing, and Technique; Transplanting Indoor Norwegian Pines to Outdoors in Tennessee; Weeping Norwegian Pine: Slow Growth, Minimal Pruning, Light Fertilization; Pine Tree Ants in Cavity: Don't Fill, Just Trim; Carpenter Ants and Decay in a Mature Oak: What to Do; Ants on Grapefruit Tree: Identify Before Treating

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